Remembering the Holocaust victims

MEMBERS of the community gathered to remember those who suffered in the Nazi concentration camps in the Second World war.

The annual Holocaust Memorial Day was held at the Museum of Wigan Life, with a reading by St Anne’s CE Primary School, in Standish-Lower-Ground.

Creative Writing and Performing Arts students from Wigan and Leigh College deliver monologues

Dutch-born former children’s centre boss Aukje Clegg, who as a girl was caught up in the German invasion of her country, also spoke at the event, followed by police officer Dianne Strettle.

Mayor of Wigan, Coun Billy Rotherham, who delivered the statement of commitment, said: “We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation’s collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.

“We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences.

“We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocide.

“We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt,”

The same service was also held at Leigh Library,

Meanwhile, Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue has signed Holocaust Memorial Day Book of Commitment at the House of Commons.

She said: Yvonne Fovargue said: “I encourage all constituents to join members of my community in the fight against prejudice and intolerance.”

Holocaust Memorial Day was commemorated for the first time nationally on January 21 2001.